This is very important, and everyone agrees on it: you need to have your private keys to own your cryptocurrencies. Storing your funds on exchanges can be very dangerous in case they are hacked. Among the different storage methods, there are some more or less expensive and secure. Internet-connected wallets can be more easily hacked, while offline storage leaves you more responsibility and security for your cryptocurrencies.
FrenchRandomGuy’s Grade
Ledger Nano X (5/5)
This is the hardware wallet that every crypto-enthusiast should have. Practical and secure, it allows to store a large number of cryptocurrencies and offers a very good grip. Ledger remains, for the moment, the (French!) reference in the field of hardware wallets.
- Unboxing
- Reviews: Improvements and functionalities of the Ledger Nano X
- Tutorial: How to configure your Ledger Nano X
- Comparison Ledger Nano X vs. Ledger Nano S
Ledger Nano X Unboxing
The box that contains the precious wallet is very clean, and looks a lot like what you could get for the Nano S Ledger. When you open it, you access directly to the Nano X, and you will have to take it out to find the different manuals and cards that will keep your recovery phrases. You will also find the USB-C cable that allows you to connect to a computer and a board of stickers with the Ledger company logo.
Reviews: Improvements and functionalities of the Ledger Nano X
Design
First of all, what you notice is the change in design between the Nano S and the Nano X. Certainly it keeps the one that made the success of the little brother, with the USD key side that we know well. On the other hand, the whole seems much more worked and the finishes of better quality. The main change concerns the two buttons, which are on each side of the screen, better integrated into the set than for the Nano S. We will also notice a better screen quality, which doubles its number of pixels in height, going from a resolution of 128×32 to 128×64 pixels.
Portability
For features, the major improvement is the support of the connection between Nano X and your phone via bluetooth, at least if it is compatible with the Ledger Live application (iOS 9+ or Android 5+). This application gathers the same features that existed on the software of the same name can be used in a more mobile way.
However, this feature can be put in the device settings if needed. Contrary to the Nano S, which had to be connected to a computer to be used, the Nano X can work nomadically. That is why it also has a battery (100 mAh), which according to the company would guarantee it a few hours of full use, or a few weeks of light use.
Storage capacity
Last improvement: it is the storage capacity of the different applications linked to each cryptocurrency. The Nano S Ledger could only contain about ten of these applications. As for Nano X, these capacities are multiplied by 10, which means that the Nano X can store hundreds of applications. It is also nice to note that the cable is now USB-C.
In summary, Ledger has taken over what was already working very well for the Nano S model. However, they have improved a number of things such as the design of the device which is more streamlined as well as the storage capacity which is larger. But the real strength of this Nano X is its portability: it gives us the possibility to make transfers from our smartphone, and to follow the evolution of our wallet without even having the Nano X nearby.
Tutorial: How to configure your Ledger Nano X
Once in possession of the Nano X Ledger, we will be able to start its configuration. First of all, you will need to download the Ledger Live application. Launch the mobile application at the same time and follow the instructions to initialize a new device. Then to turn on the Nano X, you just have to press the black button on the Nano X for 3 seconds.
Initialization
Choose the bootable mode by pressing both buttons simultaneously. Scroll the menu to the right by pressing the right button. You will have to choose a PIN code composed of 4 to 8 digits. Once added, the next step will be to copy the famous passphrase. Please write down the 24 words that your wallet will display on the screen. It’s the only way to recover access to your funds in case of a problem. After checking and rechecking your 24 words, the Ledger will ask you to confirm them. This long step is nevertheless essential to avoid losing the stored crypto-money in case of difficulty or loss of access to your Ledger. Your hardware wallet is now ready to be used.
Connection with the application
Launch the application and validate all the steps. You will be able to connect via bluetooth using the Ledger Live application or simply by a wired connection. Your application should quickly locate your Ledger and allow the connection between the two devices. Finally, you will need to configure a last password for the application. Once the connection is established, you will have to download in the “account” menu of the application the different supports for your choice’s cryptocurrencies. The synchronization with the Nano X is automatic, and the cryptocurrency or token in question can now be stored.
Add an account to the Live Ledger application
Now that you have installed the cryptocurrency application that you want to store, you need to add an account on the mobile application:
I will choose for this example to add an Ethereum account to my Nano X wallet:
The application will ask me to connect and unlock my Ledger, then use the Ethereum application to connect to it:
Once these actions are performed, the two applications can synchronize. We have to wait a few moments.
The last step before confirming the process, we can change the name of the account we want to add:
Perfect! Our Ethereum account is well added to the mobile application (or desktop if you use a desktop computer), and we will be able to transfer our funds on it.
Transfer your cryptocurrencies to the Nano X Ledger
Now that our account is available in the application we can move on to the rest of the explanations. We now want to move our funds to our Ledger in order to guarantee its security. For this, go to the account tab of the Cryptocurrency of your choice, I will personally continue on Ethereum:
Click Receive, and proceed as instructed. You will need to connect your device to the Live Ledger application by wire or Bluetooth. Then use the crypto-money application on it.
This is for example what my Live Ledger application shows me: it is simply my Ethereum address on which I can receive ether or other compatible tokens. It’s as simple as another online wallet, you just have to send your Cryptocurrencies on the compatible address.
Comparative Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S
You may be tempted to purchase a Ledger device to secure the cryptocurrencies you own. And it’s a great idea: you need to store your funds on systems like this to ensure their security. You could keep your private keys preciously on a sheet of paper or a computer, but using a device like the Nano is much more convenient and secure.
On the other hand, the Nano X costs 120 euros, which is not negligible compared to its little brother, which costs only 60 euros. Let’s see together if you really need the Nano X or if the Nano S suits you.
Nano X
- If you are very nomadic and need to use your phone to make transactions.
- You have many Cryptocurrencies.
- If you like the sleeker design of the Nano X.
- Or you want to treat yourself by buying a more high-end product.
Nano S
- You need a simple way to secure your Cryptocurrencies.
- You don’t plan to store and exchange more than a dozen Cryptocurrencies.
- You don’t want to put more than a hundred euros to have the same security.
It is therefore up to you to choose which Ledger device corresponds to your needs. The price difference between the two products seems consistent with the improvements that the X has compared to the S. On the other hand, you don’t necessarily need these features and the Nano S Ledger will suit you perfectly, for 60 euros less. On the other hand, if you regularly use your wallet and intend to store many Cryptocurrencies, the Nano X seems to be a better product for your use.
So much for this presentation of the Nano X Ledger. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: we will gladly answer you. You will soon find more presentations of other ways to store your Cryptocurrencies on Nova Blocks.